When was the last time you checked your designations of beneficiary? Most employees and annuitants don't realize that they have several designations to keep current. If you don't have a designation on file, then the funds will be distributed according to the order of precedence. That may be OK with you, but maybe it isn't. Worse yet is an out-of-date designation giving the money to someone that you no longer wish to give it to.
Order of Precedence
Check the order of precedence for each of these funds
If you want benefits paid to someone else or in a different order, you must designate a beneficiary. This could well be vital to your family's future welfare.
Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI)
Designations Form (PDF Form): Standard Form 2823, Designation of Beneficiary (4/01)
Thrift Savings Plan
Designations Form (PDF Form): TSP-3, Thrift Savings Plan Designation of Beneficiary (7/04)
Unpaid Compensation — for Employees only
Designations Form (PDF Form): Standard Form 1152, Designation of Beneficiary, Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Civilian Employee (6/02)
Civil Service Retirement Programs
Use the following two forms to designate who is to receive a lump-sum payment which may become payable under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). These forms do not affect the right of any person who is eligible for survivor annuity benefits.
Designations Forms (PDF Forms):
